Sedan: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

By David Booth, National Post

Originally published: October 21, 2011

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Mercedes-Benz’s CLS is certainly popular. Virtually inventing the luxury four-door coupe segment, the CLS has been copied, if not in outright design, then in intent by all of its major European competition.

Little wonder, then, that the new 2012 version bears more than a passing resemblance to the outgoing model. But, if the skin is perhaps a bit too familiar, the CLS really is all new underneath. For instance, the 550 is powered by a new Mercedes engine. Despite the 550 moniker, this V8’s displacement is 4.6 litres, albeit with twin turbochargers, which boosts maximum output to 408 horsepower.

The twin turbos mean there’s torque aplenty — 442 pound-feet — so there’s always a surfeit of power. Indeed, since the maximum torque kicks in as low as 1,800 rpm, the 4.6L V8 always feels like it’s loafing. And with the transmission’s newly sophisticated programming, the entire powertrain is much improved, although not as much as the chassis.

Mercedes underpinnings have long been able to deliver fine handling or a compliant ride, but never both. The CLS550 is the first Mercedes that requires no such compromise. Thank the communicative steering and surprisingly controlled body roll.

The car’s ride feels very much like that of the new Jaguar XJ. Mercedes’ Air-Matic Air Suspension with Adaptive Damping System finally lives up to its promise. It should also be noted that, for the first time, Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel-drive system will be available with the company’s multi-link rear suspension.

In the end, the CLS550 is the most complete Mercedes I have ever driven by quite some margin.